Woman Wednesday Issue #25

Name that Woman Trailblazer: She is considered the “mother of calypso” and composed more than 1,000 songs. She frequently wrote songs addressing social issues like racism and sexism.

👉 Click here to reveal this woman.

Hi, my name is Rebecca Simon, and I am a Virtual Business Coach and the founder of The Success Society, a corporation that has helped hundreds of women build, launch, and scale their online service-based businesses.

I lead and teach virtual assistants (VAs), online business managers (OBMs), and other aspiring business owners through one-on-one coaching, group coaching programs, and community events I host internationally.

🔗 Want to connect with Rebecca? Say “hi” on LinkedIn.

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Q: How did you get into your current role/industry?
A: Prior to launching my business, I worked in human resources for highly esteemed companies including 24 Hour Fitness and Target. I quickly climbed the ranks, standing out as a natural leader in my field before starting a side hustle as a Virtual Assistant in December of 2019.

Since then, I have more than doubled my corporate salary and made strategic pivots within my business. I shifted from working as a Virtual Assistant, to putting my HR skills to even better use as an Online Business Manager, to now coaching other virtual service providers to build their own thriving online businesses.

I have built an online community of over 45,000 entrepreneurs, providing a safe space for my audience to feel supported, educated, and inspired.

Q: What’s something you do to help boost your productivity?
A: I LIVE by time blocking my schedule in my Google Calendar!

I also recently have discovered how much “themed” days have helped me with my productivity. Themed days for me means that everyday is a different focus, or “theme”.

For example, Mondays I focus on client work, Tuesdays are when I take Zoom calls, Wednesdays I work on marketing, Thursdays I work on any outstanding items or any other projects I might have going on. Having themed days has taken my productivity to the next level.

Q: How do you find work-life balance?
A: Boundaries are so important! Set expectations and boundaries early on.

Clients don’t know unless you tell them. As a virtual service provider, ‘scope creep’ is real! It happens a lot without you even realizing it.

When I first started my business, I was so focused on wanting the client to be happy that I would answer calls and texts at all hours of the day and night. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my vacations because I couldn’t disconnect. I remember one vacation I was in Hawaii taking Zoom calls from my hotel room.

Putting boundaries and systems in place has allowed me to do things like travel more because I can clearly communicate expectations, turnaround times and project deadlines with clients.

Q: What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve received so far?
A: Know that not every day is going to be a good day. You have to learn how to be out of control in certain situations.

Entrepreneurship will test you. You have to learn how to adapt, improvise, and problem solve. Every problem you run into in business has a solution if you look for it.

I remember there was a day during lockdown last year when my internet went out. Normally this wouldn’t have been a problem because I could go to a local coffee shop or cafe and use the internet, but everything was closed due to the pandemic! I remember feeling frantic and overwhelmed with client work but feeling helpless about not being able to get anything done. I remember immediately placing an online order for a hotspot. My biggest lesson here was to always have a backup plan!

Ultimately, not every day is going to be a perfect day, but life’s all about taking it one day at a time and being open to learning and adapting as situations arise.

Q: What’s your favorite software or app that helps with your workflow?
A: Dubsado! It allows me to seamlessly send contracts, invoices, and track projects all in one space.

Q: What’s a book or podcast you’d recommend to a colleague?
A: Unf*ck Your Brain podcast!

Kara, the host, is a graduate of Yale and Harvard Law School. Her podcast is all about empowering women on how to identify the ways that sexist socialization impacts their brains, and how to rewire their thought patterns to create true authentic confidence from within.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I love to travel. I recently came back from some amazing trips like Greece, Hawaii, and Mexico. This year I have Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam on my itinerary.

🤗 Thinking of starting your own business? Check out these tips.
🗓️ Here’s a step by step on how to time block using Google Cal.

Texting Isn’t Going Away

 

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You send and receive text messages for all kinds of reasons — from texting vendors and giving employees direction, to juggling appointments.

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The TalkNText app lives on their mobile device or computer. So, wherever your team is, the text message conversation goes with them.

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One of my biggest tips I love sharing is that you are not a failure just because you didn’t get something right on the first try. Keep your energy and momentum up and don’t let it get to you.

Your actions are a result of your thoughts. Reframe what you thought was a failure into a learning experience. Remember, no one is perfect.

When I first launched my group coaching program to help other virtual assistants launch their own businesses, I only filled 3 out of the 10 spots in the program. I was so disappointed with myself I didn’t sell all 10 spots. I had to reframe my thoughts and realize that I had 3 paying clients that were so excited to learn and work with me.

Even though the launch didn’t go as planned, I continued to show up on social media, improve my marketing, and focus on my client experience.

This ultimately led me to fill more and more spots, which led me to my first 6 figure year.

🧠 Learn how to change your mindset from failure to something positive.
⚡ Check out Tony Robbins’ take on changing your mindset.

Dashlane is the #1 password manager that sets your team up for security success. Try it free today.

monday.com just launched ready to use templates to make you and your teams even more productive.

Office Otter is the free automated to-do list you didn’t know you needed (until now).

Morning Brew is one of our fave free newsletters.

Check out our Pride Month LGBTQ+ Crossword Puzzle, Caribbean Heritage Month Bingo or browse our Etsy Store.

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What are some of your goals for Q3? 

💌 Reply to [email protected] and let us know!